Art - Visual Communication Design - Major (BFA)

The BFA in Visual Communication Design program is an interdisciplinary program with a blend of professional and fine art studio courses and a liberal arts curriculum. Specific objectives are centered on professional preparation including technical competency, effective visual communication, and development of a professional portfolio. The program prepares students for careers in advertising, publishing, illustration, and design for print and digital media, or for entry into graduate school.

The BFA program includes an in-depth focus on design studio courses for professional preparation.

Students develop technical competence, informed aesthetic judgment, and skills for collaborative visual production on creative teams. They develop an understanding of branding and marketing concepts, and how visual design supports them. Students learn to develop meaningful visual solutions for problems in a global, competitive marketplace using both print and digital media. The liberal arts core enables students to develop the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for professional preparation.

Strong connections to local firms, professional organizations, and alumni working in the industry provide students with various internship, networking, and employment opportunities.

The Visual Communication Design program requires a 3.0 GPA in the major.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. Attain competency in studio practice / technical skills:

Attain competency in composing the elements of art with the principles of design

Develop technical skills in a range of mediums and design applications related to the visual communication design field

Develop an understanding of basic business practices, including the ability to organize design

3. Analyze design with regard to cultural context:

Achieve a broad understanding of diverse issues and contexts for design

Understand and apply knowledge of significant historical and contemporary achievements in graphic design

Core Curriculum Requirements

All Nazareth students complete Core Curriculum coursework as part of their degree requirements. The Core provides a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences while guiding students to pose and explore their own intellectual questions. See Academic Policies and Procedures for specific core curriculum requirements.

Art Core

The Art Core is designed to provide fundamental knowledge in preparation for more advanced coursework in Art. 5 Core Studio courses are required:

Free Elective Courses for the BFA in Visual Communication Design Major

In addition to the credits listed above, BFA-VCD students select 1 “free” elective course that supports their major studies. Students may choose to take a free elective course in Studio courses or in other supportive areas (e.g. Art History, Communications, or Business), after discussing options with their academic advisor. Students with their advisor may choose an elective course from the list below or choose another course not listed here. (Note: the same course cannot count as both a requirement and an elective.)

Senior Experience Course for the BFA in Visual Communication Design Major

The senior capstone course in the BFA in Visual Communication Design major explores the intersection of contemporary design practice and contemporary culture through lectures, readings, writing, and discussion.